The new Batman film, simply titled The Batman (2022) and directed by Matt Reeves, is a unique superhero film with a lot of strong elements.

The film is about Bruce Wayne (AKA Batman, played by Robert Pattinson) trying to track down a new serial killer in the city of Gotham named The Riddler (Paul Danno), who goes after corrupt politicians and people of power. With the help of one of the few honest cops in the Gotham police department, Lt. James Gordon (Jeffrey Wright), and a cat burglar by the name of Selina Kyle (AKA Catwoman, Zoe Kravitz) Batman will unravel a conspiracy that threatens to unravel all of Gotham.

What’s so fresh and unique about this film is that it focuses less on Batman’s martial arts skills and more on his skills as a detective. The movie is less of a popcorn action flick like most superhero movies, but it is instead a dark and moody noir, and this is shown in its running time of three hours.

Something else that’s small but very refreshing is that the film isn’t again about the early days of Batman. The film assumes that the viewer knows the basics of Batman. They don’t even show the death of Bruce Weyne’s parents for the millionth time.

But just because there isn’t a lot of action doesn’t mean it’s done poorly, far from it. The action is intense, down to earth, and sometimes downright brutal. 

Robert Pattinson has come a long way since Twilight. He brings the intensity and intelligence of Batman to the forefront and doesn’t disappoint. Sometimes he can be downright intimidating or scary – you get why any smart criminal fears Batman.

Zoe Kravitz’s Catwoman makes an interesting foil for Batman, showing that not all crime is black and white – there’s quite a bit of gray. As she’s a mostly moral person, is burglarizing for the good of her loved ones, is stealing from the rich, and just wants to get out of the city.

Jeffrey Wrights’ Jim Gordon is the moral center of the film, willing to call out Batman whenever he goes too far. At the same time, he’s a beaten down cop who’s seen almost everything and isn’t surprised by much anymore. 

Paul Dano’s Riddler is both frightening and funny. There are some scenes where he performs horrific acts, and then there are other scenes where he’s thanking his followers for their financial support.

A special mention also has to go to Colin Ferral as Oswald Cobblepot, AKA The Penguin. This version of The Penguin wouldn’t be out of place in The Sopranos, is an example of excellent make-up, and is hilarious in almost every scene he’s in.

The movie is beautifully shot, with many scenes having colors that contrast with the darkness, making for memorable scenes. 

Despite being darker and more serious than most superhero films, the film can be pretty funny, with plenty of dark comedy throughout. 

However despite the film’s many strong points, it starts losing it toward the end. 

While the first two and a half hours are very down to earth, with lower stakes compared to most superhero movies, the final 30 minutes go from a dark and gritty noir to a generic superhero film with large set pieces and the lives of millions on the line. And it does so very jarringly as it comes out of nowhere. All it’s missing is a blue sky beam to complete the generic superhero finale set. 

It would have been for the better if they’d cut out the final 30 minutes, as that would have kept the film more tonally consistent and finished it on a higher note.

Something else that’s irksome is that there isn’t much of a difference between Bruce Wayne and Batman. Even when in public and unmasked, Bruce Wayne is just as moody and dark as Batman. 

Most of the previous films got it right, as Bruce Wayne acts like your typical billionaire playboy, but when he’s Batman he’s dark and brooding. With the Bruce Wayne persona being the true mask, as Batman is in actuality nothing like that.

However, to the film’s credit, it’s sort of a plot point. More specifically it shows that while Wayne does good work as Batman, he can help just as many people as Bruce.

The Batman is a movie with a lot of great elements, with a couple of small problems, and a final act that really really overstays its welcome. But despite its faults, the good elements are strong enough to make an overall solid film. 

Patrick will soon be appearing as The Bootman, who gives up his shoes to fight crime in a town without feet.